Some may be more well known than others, but all had a place in someone’s heart and in our communities.
Here we make space to recognise those whose deaths have been announced in the pages of the Derbyshire Times this week.
For more details on how they will be remembered, including funeral arrangements, and how to leave your own tributes, go to legacy.com/uk/obituaries/derbyshiretimes-uk/browse.
1. Patricia Melton, Wingerworth
Born in Grantham in 1942, Pat came to settle in Wingerworth in 1974, returning again after a spell living in Malaysia. She passed away peacefully at Goldwell Manor Care Home, where she had lived with Lewey Body dementia since 2023. A devoted teacher, she worked in and around Derbyshire for many years, driven by a belief in the potential of every child. An enthusiastic squash player in her younger days, following two hip replacements she found joy in aqua aerobics, her garden and a lifelong love of animals. Predeceased by her husband and childhood sweetheart Dave, Pat leaves children Nick and Sally, and grandsons Felix and George. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/PatriciaMelton. Photo: Contributed
2. Marion Thurgood, New Whittington
Born on Handley Road and a lifelong local resident, Marion passed away at home, aged 96. Her career included spells in the accounts office of Woodheads, then as a teaching assistant and lunchtime supervisor at New Whittington Primary School. Away from work, she was a member of the Women's Institute, the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and Friendship Club, and enjoyed travel, reading and walking. Predeceased by her husband Charles, Marion leaves daughter Gillian and son-in-law Alan, grandchildren Elizabeth and Hannah, and great-grandchildren Olivia, Harry and Elodie. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/MarionThurgood. Photo: Contributed
3. Stuart Hancock, Newbold
Born and raised in Chesterfield, Stuart was a proud lifelong resident of the town he loved. He passed away peacefully at home, aged 81. Stuart began his working life as a painter and decorator, then tried the car trade before finding his true place with family business, Intaprint, eventually passing it on to the next generation. Sport was central to his life-especially, Chesterfield FC and Derbyshire CCC. Music was another true passion, not least The Shadows. Stuart leaves his wife Kathleen, children Sharon, Stephen, and Dean, grandchildren Laura, Darren, Rebecca and Jamie, great-grandchildren Olivia, Theo and Romeo, and other close family. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/StuartHancock. Photo: Contributed
4. Brenda Blank, Spital
Born in Chesterfield and a lifelong local resident, Brenda passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, aged 90. Her early career included roles at Dema Glass and the Post Office Accountant General's Department, before finally retiring after 20 years as a receptionist at Walton Hospital. Away from work, she enjoyed knitting, cross stitch, painting, reading, word puzzles and her garden. Predeceased by her son Steven, Brenda leaves her husband Bernard, daughter Sharon, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/BrendaBlank. Photo: Contributed